Ranchi Mob Attack: Woman Assaulted on False Child-Lifting Suspicion
A 50-year-old woman was allegedly attacked by a mob in Ranchi's Edalhatu area under Bariatu police station limits on Thursday morning, based on unfounded suspicions of child-lifting, according to police reports. The incident underscores a disturbing pattern of vigilante violence spreading across Jharkhand.
Details of the Incident
The officer in-charge of Bariatu police station, Manoj Kumar, provided a detailed account. Sheila Kujur, a domestic help employed in the Karamtoli area of the city, was traveling to her workplace in an autorickshaw around 9 am on Thursday. During the journey, a five-year-old boy also boarded the vehicle. The child had accompanied his father to a neighbourhood shop, but the father lost sight of his son and panicked, initiating a search with locals joining in.
Eyewitnesses noticed the child sitting in the autorickshaw and stopped it. Mistaking Kujur for a child-lifter, the mob allegedly attacked her. Fortunately, she managed to escape serious harm. Police intervened promptly, rescuing the woman and bringing both parties to the police station for questioning.
Police Response and Investigation
At the police station, Kujur stated that she did not take the child and was wrongly accused. Both parties had not lodged any formal complaint at the time of reporting, but authorities are actively working to ascertain the facts. Manoj Kumar emphasized that the situation is under investigation to determine the exact circumstances and prevent future occurrences.
Rising Trend of Mob Violence in Jharkhand
This incident is part of a broader, alarming trend across the state. Mob attacks on suspicion of child-lifting have been increasing, with several recent cases reported. For instance, a 40-year-old man was allegedly thrashed by a mob in Chatra district on Sunday, leading to his death at Ranchi’s Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences the next day. Four men were arrested in connection with that case on Tuesday.
Besides Chatra, districts like Bokaro and East Singhbhum have also witnessed a spurt in such attacks. Over half a dozen similar incidents have come to light in Bokaro and East Singhbhum since last week alone, highlighting a critical need for public awareness and law enforcement intervention to curb this dangerous vigilante behavior.
Implications and Concerns
The rise in mob violence based on mere suspicion poses significant risks to public safety and social harmony. Such incidents often stem from misinformation and panic, leading to tragic outcomes like injuries or deaths. Authorities urge citizens to rely on legal channels and avoid taking matters into their own hands, as these attacks can have severe legal and social consequences.
Efforts are underway to educate communities and strengthen police vigilance to prevent further occurrences. The Ranchi case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of mob mentality and the importance of due process in addressing suspicions.
